190302-M-QF372-1202 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATION (March 2, 2019) An aviation boatswains mate (handling) observes a Military Sealift Command SA-330J Puma helicopter transport crates onto the flight deck of the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43) during a vertical replenishment-at-sea (VERTREP), March 2, 2019. The VERTREP delivered food, supplies and mail to the service members aboard the Fort McHenry. Marines and Sailors with the 22nd MEU and Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group are currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Antonio Garcia/Released)